Lori Hoeck, with whom I co-authored The Narcissist: A User’s Guide, has a wonderful guest post up over at Saya No Uchi, entitled More Than a Hobby: The Martial Arts Lifestyle. Lori’s post describes the flow one can achieve when martial arts principles are interwoven in daily living.
Lest you think this might be all about a dramatic block or a well-placed kick, think again. Lori’s beautiful writing enhances the intention of Deborah Dorchak, our e-book graphic designer, who created Saya No Uchi to explore “the constant discipline of mastering one’s self:”
“Saya no uchi” (the shortened version of “saya no uchi de katsu“) means “Victory in the scabbard of the sword.” The ultimate victory for any samurai was to win a conflict without ever having to draw his sword. . . True victory lies in forgiveness and understanding of yourself and others. It’s avoiding a fight, even though you know you could take down your opponent with one cut. Saya no uchi de katsu is maintaining grace, dignity and compassion in the face of conflict.
Reading Lori’s and Deb’s writing on the morning of Easter Sunday, on which we commemorate the Ultimate Victory – that over death, I thought of the line of my father’s favorite hymn, The Old Rugged Cross:
” ’til my trophies at last I lay down.”
Relinquishing one’s accomplishments or powers in exchange for grace is a venerable message of surrender and serenity.
Peace to all of you.
|
Share the love
|
Get free updates
|
Peter and Betsy Wuebker are location-independent professionals who share what they know about travel, simplicity and integrating work with life. 
Betsy! What a pleasant surprise. Thank so much for the link. Lori did a great job with the article and this was a lovely addition.
.-= Deb Dorchak´s last blog ..More Than a Hobby: The Martial Arts Lifestyle =-.
Aw shucks … Thank you.
Just looking at Deb’s site makes you want to write something for it.
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Visit my guest post on life as a black belt =-.
Hi Betsy .. what an amazing line to quote to us today .. I love the thought of laying everything down and accepting grace.
The picture of the endured wooden cross – is so evocative ..
Thanks – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Who would have thought Barbary Apes would be eating our greens? =-.
The Old Rugged Cross was my mother’s favourite hymn; she would sing it for no particular reason while she was doing her chores. It always helped lift her spirits.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..In Appreciation of Good Health =-.
How beautifully put, Betsy. I cannot hear or sing The Old Rugged Cross without choking up — it was my mom’s favorite hymn, the only piece of music she requested be sung at her memorial service. When it plays, I hear her singing it…
I love how you wrote, “Relinquishing one’s accomplishments or powers in exchange for grace,” in reference to the line you quoted.
.-= Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..Spring Cleaning and New Beginnings =-.
Hi Deb – You are more than welcome. It’s no secret I admire your design talent. But I admire the strength of the philosophy you articulated so well in Saya No Uchi’s mission statement even more.
Hi Lori – You’re right about Deb’s site. It obviously catalyzed this personal statement which captures your wonderful essence. A great match!
Hi Hilary – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read the words or sung that hymn and brushed right past that phrase. This time it just floated above its companion lines to resonate and the lightbulb went off over my head.
Hi Davina – The melody of The Old Rugged Cross is so soothing, isn’t it? “On a hill far away. . .” It’s a favorite of many, comfortably reassuring with its timeless message.
Hi Barb – Me, too. I get what was described to me over the weekend as “the Burton tears” on my mother’s side, meaning we are all quite sentimental. Like your mother, it was my dad’s only request as well. Thanks.
Grace, I want a piece of that…only my ego would stop me from laying things down. Sounds like you hit on something with that song and our mothers.
Hi Tess – You’re so right about the ego being an impediment. Thanks.